Blitz Rhododendron

For lovers of rhododendrons, western China is paradise. The opening up of this region – the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan – in the early years of the 20th century was like landing on the moon. During a brief lull in the turbulent history of China it was possible for western plant collectors to explore these unknown regions, and the plants they found have given us some of the most exciting and beautiful of all rhododendron hybrids. The English collector George Forrest was prominent among those who risked their lives to send plants back to Europe, especially to Britain. In 1911 he sent then an amazing plant of true red, a brilliant scarlet. This was not just the same old deep pink, which had been the standard until then, but a real red. The plants that breeders created from it remain today the very best of the reds. And among the very best of those is the Blitz Rhododendron. Forming a dense mound about 3 feet tall, but broader than that, each spring in May it explodes with color that will make all you red lovers cry with the beauty of it. The large flowers are bell-shaped, and although they generally need careful attention, the Blitz Rhododendron is recognized as one of the easiest, and grows well in bright, sunny spots in your acid-soil garden. Now this plant can be yours, and if you love red, this plant will steal your heart away.

Growing the Blitz Rhododendron

Size and Appearance

The Blitz Rhododendron is a low, broad, evergreen shrub reaching about 3 feet tall in 10 years, but at least 4 feet wide by that point. Older plants will pass 4 feet, and probably spread to 6 feet across, so arrange things when planting so that you can accommodate this plant in its maturity. The leaves are 2½ to 3½ inches long, broadly oval. They are smooth and dark-green, but the underside of the leaf has a handsome, dense covering of tan-colored hairs, called an indumentum. 

Blooming in May, stepping out earlier than many classic hybrids, each bloom is funnel shaped to bell-shaped, with wavy petal edges, and 2½ inches across. The color is a rich, vibrant, dark red that is at the same time bright and cheerful, not burgundy somber. Look closely and you will see inconspicuous markings in red brown on all the petals. The flowers are gathered into trusses at the ends of the branches, with as many as 14 flowers in each truss, giving a prominent and vibrant display. A truly magnificent plant, and a great contrast with the more pastel colors of many of your other rhododendrons.

Using the Blitz Rhododendron in Your Garden

Such a unique plant, with it’s amazing red flowers, deserves a bold location, and it’s spreading habit makes it ideal for the front of a bed, or for planting on a slope, among other spreading shrubs. Plant it behind later-blooming azaleas, or make it the highlight of your woodland garden.

Hardiness

The Blitz Rhododendron is not hardy enough for zone 5, but it will be happy in warmer parts of zone 6, and of course in zones 7 and 8. It grows best where there is some summer rain, and where temperatures are not extreme.

Sun Exposure and Soil Conditions

Red-blooming rhododendrons have a reputation for burning in the sun, but the Blitz Rhododendron is more sun resistant than other red hybrids, so you can use it in brighter spots in your garden. Morning sun and afternoon shade would be ideal, and of course remember this plant is not drought tolerant. The soil should be acidic, ideally with a pH value of 5.5, but up to 6.5 should be fine. Make sure the soil is well-drained, rich in lime-free compost and rotted leaves, and generally moist. This plant is not drought tolerant, and may need watering during drier weather.

Maintenance and Pruning

It can be a surprise to discover how easy rhododendrons are to grow, once the soil, moisture and light levels are good. Deer and rabbits usually pay no heed, and pests or diseases are rare. Especially with young plants the most important jobs are to mulch over the whole root system each spring, avoiding the foliage, and to dead-head. Snap or twist out the flower truss once the last bloom falls, rather than cutting it. Don’t remove any leaves – you will see that new shoots are already forming just above where the first leaves are – those are next year’s growth and blossoms, and preventing seedling by dead-heading will greatly improve the blooming next year. Otherwise, no pruning or trimming is suggested, and is best avoided altogether.

History and Origin of the Blitz Rhododendron

 In 1911, the English plant collector George Forrest was exploring western China, in the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan. A treasure trove of new species of amazing rhododendrons, in that year he sent to England a plant that became Rhododendron haematodes. Famous for it’s true-red flowers, it attracted the attention of many breeders, among them Dr. J. Harold Clarke, a prominent member of the American Rhododendron Society. Probably in the 1970s or 1980s he crossed the wild species with a variety called ‘G.A. Sims’. That plant, with good red flowers but a scraggly, open, plant form, is one of the famous British hybrid rhododendrons, created in the 20th century in the gardens of wealthy families and prestigious nurseries. It was released in 1972 by Knap Hill, a nursery in England (Woking) owned by the Waterer family.

Among the plants Clarke grew from the seeds this crossing produced was one he named ‘Blitz’. It is still considered one of the very best red rhododendrons available.

Buying the Blitz Rhododendron at the Tree Center

For an unbeatable red, you can’t beat the Blitz Rhododendron – it’s the Holy Grail for lovers of true red. With it you will be able to create and enjoy a stunning focal point or center-piece in your rhododendron garden, and revel in red. Order now, everyone loves red, and everyone loves the Blitz Rhododendron, and our supplies are limited.